Ore-roasting furnace.



W. F. MURPHY. ORE ROASTING FURNACE. APPLIOATION FILED mm. 11, 1911.

Patented June 9,1914.

2 SHEETS-SHBET 1.

W. F. MURPHY. ORE ROASTING FURNACE. APPLIGATION rum) IEB. 11, 1911.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented June 9, 1914.

WILLIAM F. MURPHY, OF IOWA CITY, IOWA.

ORE-ROASTING FURNACE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 9, 1914.

Application filed February 11, 1911. Serial No. 608,089.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM F. MURPHY, citizen of the United States of America, and resident of Iowa City, Johnson county, Iowa, have invented a new and useful Ore- Roasting Furnace, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to provide an improved construction for furnaces adapted for roasting ore, firing china, annealing glass and iron, and the like.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved process for treating refractory ores.

y invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of elements hereinafter set forth, pointed out in my claim and illustrated by the accompanying drawing, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a furnace embodying my improvements. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of a. part of the same. Fig. 3 is an end elevation. Fig. 4 is a cross-section on the indicated line 4--4 of Fig. 1. Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are views of details of construction hereinafter specifically referred to.

In the construction of the apparatus as shown the numerals 10, 11 designate spaced side posts, preferably composed of indi- Vidual I-beams; 12, 13', .14, 15 designate spaced beams, preferably composed of L- bars; and 16, 17 designate spaced girders, preferably composed of L--bars fixed attheir ends to and connecting the posts 10, 11 in pairs. An arch 18, composed of refractory material such as fire brick, is carried by and connects the beams 12, 13 and a similar arch 19 is carried by and connects the beams 14, 15. The arch 18 preferably is of less length than the arch 19, and amend wall 20 of refractory material conjunctive-1y closes one end of each of the arches, while a lesser end wall 21 closes the opposite end of the arch 19. The posts 10, 11 are connected by tie rods 22 abovethe arches. A sectional hearth or conveyer 23 is mounted approximately horizontally in and extends longitudinally of the upper port-ion of the structure. The sectional hearth or conveyer 23 preferably is carried by casters 24, 25 on each section, ridin on track rails 26, 27, supported by the girders 16, 17, and is further supported and driven by sprocket wheels 28, 29 on shafts 30, 31 journaled in bearings 32, 33

, uprights on the posts 11; and said hearth or conveyer extends transversely of and projects at the ends of its sections entirely across the base of the arch 18. The sectional hearth or conveyer 23 is adapted to be driven, by turning of the sprocket wheels 28, in the direction of the arrow (1 in Fig. 1 and the up Jer portion of said hearth or conveyer preferably is carried in a given plane by the casters 24, 25 and track rails 26, 27. The lower or return portion of the sectional hearth or conveyer 23 is further carried and steadied by roller shafts 34 journaled to the posts 10, 11 and extending across and beneath said return lower portion of the conveyer. The 11 serve as guiding means for the hearth sections in moving around the sprocket wheels at the left of Fig. 1. My improved sectional hearth 23 is composed of sections and means for connecting and driving said sections. Each section of the conveyer preferably is composed of a cast metal body 1O having spaced ribs 10 and grooved end portions outside the ribs. Each section is overlaid on its top and the front and rear margins by a cap 10 formed of refractory composition such as fire clay and asbestos molded and pressed into the desired shape and fired. The shape may vary to any extent but I prefer to make each cap fit to its section and the ribs thereof and abut the next adjacent cap so that the completed hearth or conveyer may be approximately impcrforate and susceptible of containing and carryingall of the ore, even when such ore is in the finest pulverized condition. Connecting mechanism such as chains 35, 36 may be secured to end portions of the sections 10. The driving devices may be composed of pivotally connected members or .links rigidly secured to the sections.

I have illustrated the connection wherein the chains 35, 36 have their links formed with lateral lugs extending overand riveted to endsof the sections 10. Each section 10 is illustrated with transverse ribs 10 on its uppersurface and spaced apart. The ore is received on the upper surfaces of the sections 10 between the ribs 10" and is confined against lateral. movement by said ribs; grooved end portions of the sections being adapted to extend and travel beneath the bases of the arch 18; and guards 37, 38, of refractory material such as asbestos are fixed to the L beams 12, 13 and depend in the grooves of the sections so as .to locate the driving devices Wholly outside of the arch and protect them from the deleterious effects of the roasting ore or fumes therefrom within the arch. The guards 37, 38 also exclude atmospheric air from the base of the arch.

I do not desire to be limitedto the form or construction either of the sectional hearth or conveyer or driving devices, I since the same may be modified in many particulars receive ore from the.

without 'departingfrom the spirit of my invention. The L-beams 12, 13, 14 and 15 are tied together acrossthe end wall 20 by rods 39, and at their opposite The L-beams 12, 13 project from the initial open end of the arch 18 and a chute 41 is adjustably mounted thereon and projects within the arch. The conveyer 23 is adapted to chute 41 and carry the same longitudinally of the arch 18.v A sectional hearth or conveyer 42 is mounted approximately horizontally in and extends longitudinally of the lower portion of the arch 19. The sectional hearth or conveyer 42 preferably is carried by casters 43, 44 on each section riding on track rails 45, 46, supported by lower girders 16, 17, and is further supported and driven by sprocket wheels 47, 48 on shafts 49, 50, journaled in bearings 51, 52,

on posts 10, 11; and said hearth or conveyer extends transversely of and projects at the ends of its sections entirely across the base of the arch 19. The sectional heart-h or conveyer 42 is adapted to be driven, by turning of the sprocket wheels 47, in the direction of the arrow 12 in Fig. 1 and the upper portion of said hearth or conveyer preferably iscarried in a given plane by the casters 43, 44 and track rails 45, portion of the sectional hearth or conveyer 42 is further carried and steadied by roller shafts 53 journaled to the posts 10, 11 and extending across andbeneath said return lower portion of the conveyer. Further the conveyer 42 is constructed identically with the conveyor 23, except that the conveyer 42 is of greater length than the conveyer 23 and travels in andincloses the base of the arch 19. The sides of the arch 19, adjacent the upper portionof the conveyer sealed or protected against escape of fumes or inlet of atmospheric air by guards 54, 55

of refractory material carried by the L- beams 14, 15 and depending in grooves of the sections. The connecting and driving chains of the conveyer 42 are designated by the nuinerals 56, 57 and are like unto the chains 35,- 36 except as to length. The sectional hearth or conveyer 42 preferably is approximately. parallel with and materially spaced from and of greater length than the hearth or conveyer 23 and extends at each end beyond the ends of the first conveyer. The hearth or conveyer 42 is adapted to receive ore from the hearth or conveyer23 and carry the-same longitudinally of the lower ends by rods 40.

bypasses 46. The lower or return 42, are

portion of the arch 19; and as an aid to receive such ore a deflector 58 or lender is arranged contiguous to the endwall 20 to receive and direct the ore from the conveyer 23 to the conveyer 42. The sectional hearth 42 extendsbeneath a fire chamber 59 in one end portion of the arch 19.

Any desired means may be employed to produce fire in or supply it to the chamber 59; but I have illustrated conventionally a. Billows atomizer 60 adjustably mounted in said chamber and directed into the arch 19 above the discharge end of the conveyer 42. Each caster 24 and 43 is grooved and each rail26 and-45 is formed with a bulb fitting thereto; while each caster '25 and 44 is formed with a fiat face and each track 27 and 46 is formed with a wider fiat face to supportthem. Thus all of the rails support, casters for travel thereon and the rails 26 and 45 have the further function of guiding the casters 24 and 43. Thus provision is made for guiding the conveyers in travel and at the same time providing for any lateral expansion or contraction thereof under changes of temperature. A stack or chimney 61 is erected at any suitable point at one side of the structure and the same is shown midway at one side-of the furnace structure and is primarily open to the central portion of the arch 18. Bypasses or lines 62, in any desired number, are provided between the stack 61 and the arches 18, 19, at various points in the lengths of said arches, and said 62 also communicate between the arches and are controlled by dampers or valves 63 at any desired point. Ports 64 are provided in the walls of the arches farthest fromfthe stack and bypasses. These ports 64 may be employed to admit atmospheric air, in desired quantities and at desired times, to the arches (or to the furnace chambers within the arches) to lower the temperature or modify the fumes at any point. 7

Thebyp'asses and flues maybe employed to transfer fumes from any point of one furnace chamber to another (within the arches) or to transfer such fuines more directly to the stack or chimney, either to check, modify or increase draft at any point or to modify the temperatureat any point; thus providing means for controlling both the draft and the nacechambers in the arches 18, 19 at all times and all points for various treatments of substances by roasting, firing or annealing. An apron 65, preferablyunade of sheet metal, is mounted in the initial end of the arch 18 and checks admission of atmospheric air thereto; said apron permitting entrance of one'or other substances on the conveyer 23. A worm wheel 66 is journaledv on a bracket 67 carried by two posts 11 and said wheel is driven by'a'worm 68 at slow to t 73 is pivotally and ad ustably connected at its outer end to a ratchet lever or pawl 75 journaled on the shaft "the wristin 69 1 '72 carried 1') '71. A rod 73 and I have illustrated th in 69 is mounted in and y ofthe worm wheel 66 connected to one end of a The radial adjustment of provides for desirable and elective a ustment of the stroke of the pitman rod .70. A lever 71 is arranged in u right position and is fulcrumed (for DSC11- lation on a horizontal axis) on a bracket two. posts 11. The end porspeed. A wristadjustable' radial and is pivotally pitman rod 70.

tion of the pi-tman rod 70 opposite to the Wrist-pin 691s pivotally and ad ustably connected t the lower end portion of the lever extends in one direction from and is pivotally, andadjustably connected at one end to the lever 71 between the fulcrum of said lever and the rod 7 O, and a rod 74 extends in the opposite direction from and is pivotally and adjustably connected he upper end of the lever 71. The rod '50. The rod 74 is pivotally and adjustably connected at its outer end to a ratchet lever or pawl 76 j ournaled on the shaft 30. The ratchet lever 75 acts on a ratchet wheel 77 keyed to the shaft and the ratchet lever 76 acts (in the opposite directio on a ratchet wheel 78 keyed, to the shaft 30. Stirrers or agitators for the one or both the conveyers may be provided in any desired manner; em as metal plows 79 fixed toand depending from the arches 18,119; the lower ends of the plows approximating to the upper surface of the conveyers; The plows 79 are constructed with shares adapted to scrape the ore from the conveyers and turn it in opposite directions in order to stir and agitate said ore, as for instance to facilitate release of the sulfur therein. The ports 64 may be closed and controlled in any desired manner, such as by means of a' fitted fire brick placed selectively therein in respect of various positions. Thervarious adjustments of pivotal connection between the lever 71 and pitman rods and between said rods" and the ratchet levers permit of a precise regulation of travel of the respective conveyers in relation to the stroke of the worm wheel.

In carrying out :my' improved process and in the operation of the apparatus as thus far described thesectiona hearths or conveyers'are driven in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows at, b in Fi 1; a blast of hot air is directed, from t e fire chamber 59 to the conveyer 23 as indicated;

draft is maintained through the furnace by the chimney or stack 61 so that the heated air is carried between the conveyer 42 and top of the arch 19, between the conveyer 23,-defle'etor 58 or buffer and end wall 20, and between the conveyer 23 and the top of the arch 18; and one is introduced shall be through and deposited on the conveyor 23 through the chute 4:1. The ore, when first deposited on t e conveyer 23, may be wet and cold and it is warmed and heated gradually in its passage through the furnace. The conveyers 23 and 42 are driven at very slow speed so that the ore may be warmed and heated very gradually in its passage through the furnace. I prefer such a relative speed and such an arrangement of the heat currents as will provide for raising the temperature of the ore contiguous to its place of introduction to the furnace approximately to the boiling point of water and then carry the ore under very gradually increasing heat influence to a point contiguous to the fire chamber 59, at which point the temperature may approximate the fusion point of the material. The purpose of this slow movement of the ore etween the temperature at boiling point of water and the fusing temperature is to release the sulfur and other volatile subit to be card not permit it to be set or valuable minerals contained in the ore.

Sometimes it is desired that all of the sulfur and kindred objectionable substances released from the ore while in the furnace, and be consumed before the residue passes beneath the fire chamber 59. At other times the ore may be treated with salt or other reagents while in the furnace and be discharged from the furnace before all of the sulfur and deleterious substances are released, the reactions continuin to completion outside of the furnace. T is operation is dependent on and under control of the speed of the conveyers. It may be found in some instances necessary to stir or agitate the ore on the sectional hearths or conveyare 23, 42 and to this end I have provided the plows above described. Implements of any desired character may be introduced through the ports 64 and be operated as desired to agitate and stir the ore on the conveyers. Under some conditions it may also be found desirable to introduce atmospheric air or cooling medium to the furnace in order to prevent the creation of too high temperature in and relative to the'ore at the eginning of the treatment thereof, and the ports 64 and apron may be employed for such purpose. Any desired throat or space maybe provided between the arches 18, 19 and the adjacent ore-carrying surfaces of the hearths or conveyers.

Under the control of intelligently adjusted ports 64, bypasses, driving devices, and the inlet of cooling fnedium and atmospheric air, taken with the agitation of the ore when required, the ore would be heated gradually in its passage through the furnace by the heated air currents traveling in eration the deleterious a'nd objectionable substances such as sulfur will be chemi- V at a temperature approximating cally altered or released and carried away from the ore to the degree desired and determined. The heated residue of stone and minerals is carried by the hearth or c0nveyer 4:2 beneath' the fire chamber 59 and discharged.

It is to be understood further that at some point in its passage'through the furnace and 600 degrees C. the sulfur in the ore will ignite and supply by its combustion supplemental temperature increasing influences. It is at least partly because of this that I make provision for introducing cooling medium such as supplemental quantities of atmospheric air through the ports 6 L."

I desire to be understood as not limiting myself to the use ofmy improved furnace and process in treating refractory ores as the same can be employed to advantage in firing china, porcelain and earthen Ware, annealing glass and iron, and for other purposes. either do 1 limit myself to the construction and arrangement of parts as shown, since they can be rearranged, modified and substituted in large measure without departing from the spirit of my invention.

v tivelyv on monop The furnace also can be constructed seleclane, biplane or multiplane lines and witheach plane level or inclined as desired, without departing from my invention.

' I claim as my invention-- An ore roasting furnace, chamber open at its bottom;

comprising a heating means draft means and feeding 'means COIIlIIlllIll eating with said chamber; stationary longitudinal guards fixed on the under sides of the side walls of said chamber and depending therefrom; and an endless conveyer the upper stretch of which forms the bottom of said chamber, the said conveyer being made up of transverse flexibly-connected sections each of which extends outward beyond the depending stationary guards and has portions extending upward at the lIlIlBISldBS of the guards and breaking joints therewith, and the flexible connections transverse sections being disposed at the outer sides of the depending stationary guards.

Signed by me at Iowa City, Iowa, this 13th day of J anuary, 1911.

WILLIAM F. MURPHY.

Witnesses WILLIAM BooNE, J W. HOLLAND.

intermediate the 

